Heterogeneity Test Research Articles

Causal relationship between leukocyte telomere length and two cardiomyopathies based on a bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach.

This study aims to employ the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the relationship between leukocyte telomere length (TL) and 2 prevalent forms of cardiomyopathies. Using R software (4.3.1) for MR study, independent genetic variants associated with leukocyte TL were extracted from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit database, while cardiomyopathies data were pooled from FinnGen and European Bioinformatics Institute databases. Analytical methodologies included inverse-variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median methods. Further analyses involved MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO for handling horizontal pleiotropy and Cochran Q test for study heterogeneity. Our forward Mendelian randomization study indicates a positive correlation between longer leukocyte TL and the risk of 2 forms of cardiomyopathies: the longer the leukocyte telomere, the higher is the risk of cardiomyopathies. Specifically, for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy the OR is 2.23 (95% CI: 1.19-4.14, P = .01), for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the OR is 1.80 (95% CI: 1.14-2.85, P = .01), and for dilated cardiomyopathy the OR is 1.32 (95% CI: 1.01-1.71, P = .04). In contrast, our reverse Mendelian randomization showed that cardiomyopathies were not directly associated with TL, and the inverse-variance-weighted test was not statistically significant for any of the 3 (P > .05). The reliability tests for the forward Mendelian randomization, including both MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO tests, show no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy, and Cochran Q test indicates no heterogeneity. The "leave-one-out" sensitivity analysis revealed no outlier genes. The reliability tests for the reverse Mendelian randomization, including both MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO tests, also indicate no genetic pleiotropy. Despite the heterogeneity shown in our study between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and leukocyte TL, the sensitivity analysis did not identify any anomalies. Our Mendelian randomization study suggests that longer leukocyte TL is associated with an increased risk of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the onset of these 2 kinds of disease does not directly lead to changes in leukocyte TL.

Does corporate ESG performance promote export resilience? New insights from risk resistance and resilience

World economic uncertainty adds to the external risks of enterprises, and export resilience directly impacts enterprises' ability to withstand external risks. This paper examines the effect of ESG performance on export risk resilience using a sample of Chinese-listed A-shares from 2008 to 2021. We found that good ESG performance promotes corporate export resilience as evidenced by an increase in export resistance and resilience, a finding that still holds after robustness tests. Mechanism tests reveal that ESG performance can positively promote export resilience by strengthening corporate reputation and alleviating financing constraints. Firms' digital transformation has a moderating influence, and the higher its degree, the greater the positive effect of ESG performance on export resilience. T Heterogeneity tests show that the effect of firms' ESG performance on export resilience is more pronounced among non-state, growth, and mature firms. The above study is innovative in corporate ESG practice, and the findings offer a reference for corporates to participate in ESG practice and enhance export risk resistance.

Migraine and the correlation between stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to analyze and evaluate the correlation between migraines and the onset of stroke, and further explore whether migraines increase the risk of stroke. Two researchers independently conducted a comprehensive search of Chinese biomedical literature databases (CBM disc), PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, using a combination of subject terms and free words. Literature that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria was selected, and quality assessment was performed using The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data necessary for the study were extracted as effect size as needed, and meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software and Stata 16 software to calculate the combined odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval. The relevant data were analyzed, and publication bias was evaluated. After conducting a meta-analysis of the 9 final included articles, the heterogeneity test showed chi2 = 10.7, df = 8 (P = .22), I2 = 25%. Therefore, a fixed-effect model was used for analysis. The combined odds ratio (OR) for the risk of stroke in migraine patients compared to non-migraine patients was 2.04, with a 95% confidence interval [1.73, 2.4], which was statistically significant. In the analysis of migraine with aura, the respective ORs were 2.32 with a 95% CI of [1.70-3.18] and 1.77 with a 95% CI of [1.34-2.33]. Subgroup analysis of female migraine patients and young migraine patients showed statistically significant results, with ORs of 2.26 (95% CI [1.67-3.05]) and 2.39 (95% CI [1.9-3.01]), respectively. The relevant literature and results were evaluated for publication bias and assessed using the NOS, indicating the reliability of the results. The results of the meta-analysis indicate that there is a certain relationship between migraine and the onset of stroke, and the results are relatively reliable. The analysis of migraine with aura shows that both the presence and absence of aura are associated with an increased risk of stroke. Subgroup analysis based on gender and age shows that the increased risk of stroke is associated with females and young individuals. However, due to the limited data in subgroup analysis, the above conclusions still require further research for validation.

Can improving the business environment narrow the within-firm pay gap? Evidence from data on 233 Chinese cities

This paper investigates the impact of the business environment (BE) on the within-firm pay gap (WFPG) by using data on listed firms from 233 cities in China. The main finding is that a better BE reduces the WFPG between management and regular employees. After a series of endogeneity treatments and robustness tests, this conclusion remains unchanged. The results of mechanism analysis suggest that intensifying market competition and the alleviating agency problems are two important channels for this effect. Heterogeneity tests indicate a stronger effect for non-state owned enterprises, firms with worse governance, and firms in noncompetitive industries. Additional analysis indicates that human resources, the innovation environment, and financial services are the main factors through which the BE affects the WFPG. This paper provides empirical insights for practical application.

The Yield of Genetic Testing and Putative Genetic Factors of Disease Heterogeneity in Long QT Syndrome Patients.

Genetic overdiagnosis of long QT syndrome (LQTS) becomes a critical concern due to the high clinical significance of DNA diagnosis. Current guidelines for LQTS genetic testing recommend a limited scope and strict referral based on the Schwartz score. Nevertheless, LQTS may be underdiagnosed in patients with borderline phenotypes. We aimed to evaluate the total yield of rare variants in cardiac genes in LQTS patients. The cohort of 82 patients with LQTS referral diagnosis underwent phenotyping, Schwartz score counting, and exome sequencing. We assessed known LQTS genes for diagnostics, as per guidelines, and a broader set of genes for research. Diagnostic testing yield reached 75% in index patients; all causal variants were found in KCNQ1, KCNH2, and SCN5A genes. Research testing of 248 heart-related genes achieved a 50% yield of molecular diagnosis in patients with a low Schwartz score (<3.5). In patients with LQTS-causing variants, each additional rare variant in heart-related genes added 0.94 points to the Schwartz score (p value = 0.04), reflecting the more severe disease in such patients than in those with causal variants but without additional findings. We conclude that the current LQTS genetic diagnosis framework is highly specific but may lack sensitivity for patients with a Schwartz score <3.5. Improving referral criteria for these patients could enhance DNA diagnosis. Also, our results suggest that additional variants in cardiac genes may affect the severity of the disease in the carriers of LQTS-causing variants, which may aid in identifying new modifier genes.

Technology shock of ChatGPT, social attention and firm value: Evidence from China

The release of ChatGPT has attracted widespread attention and triggered fluctuations in the capital market. This study employs difference-in-differences (DID) and event study (ES) to investigate the effects of ChatGPT's release on the cumulative abnormal return (CAR) of listed companies in China. The results reveal that a series of ChatGPT launch events, including GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, have a significantly positive impact on the firm value of the companies focused on ChatGPT, with dynamic effects. In the initial two months after the release of ChatGPT, the Chinese stock market exhibited an undervaluation of GPT-focused companies, indicating information asymmetry and competitive substitution effect. With the widespread promotion of generative AI, social recognition of ChatGPT's potential value increased. This study verifies the moderation effect of social attention in strengthening ChatGPT's impact, demonstrating that a higher search index for ChatGPT enhances stock returns for GPT-focused companies. Heterogeneity tests reveal that the impact of ChatGPT is significantly positive for large or non-state-owned companies, while small or state-owned companies show no significant effect. From the perspective of labor structure, companies dominated by technical and production personnel experience positive effects, whereas those dominated by sales personnel do not. In the eastern regions with more favorable digital economic innovation environments, companies experience a notably positive impact. This paper provides a theoretical explanation and empirical evidence for the microeconomic impact of generative AI in the Chinese context, offering valuable insights for both government and firms.

Genetic Association Between Blood Metabolites and Craniosynostosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Craniosynostosis is a congenital disorder characterized by the premature fusion of cranial sutures, leading to abnormal skull development and potential neurodevelopmental complications. The role of metabolic influences in craniosynostosis remains underexplored. This study investigates the causal relationship between specific blood metabolites and the risk of craniosynostosis using a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Genetic instruments were selected from a genome-wide association study on blood metabolites and craniosynostosis data from the FinnGen database. The MR analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighted regression as the primary method, with MR-Egger and weighted median methods as sensitivity analyses. Additional tests for pleiotropy and heterogeneity were performed to validate the robustness of the findings. The analysis identified significant associations between elevated levels of gamma-glutamylglycine [odds ratio (OR) = 2.379, 95% CI = 1.261-4.488, P = 0.007], N6-acetyllysine (OR = 2.731, 95% CI = 1.081-6.901, P = 0.034), phosphocholine (OR = 2.205, 95% CI = 1.226-3.658, P = 0.038) and glycine (OR = 2.118, 95% CI = 1.226-3.658, P = 0.007) with an increased risk of craniosynostosis. Conversely, higher levels of 3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridine sulfate (OR = 0.411, 95% CI = 0.1717-0.988, P = 0.047) and 5,6-dihydrothymine (OR = 0.293, 95% CI = 0.098-0.876, P = 0.028) were associated with reduced risk. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, with no significant evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity detected. This study provides evidence that specific blood metabolites may causally influence the risk of craniosynostosis, suggesting potential metabolic pathways that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention. These findings help to develop metabolite-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of craniosynostosis.

Physical activities and breast cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

IntroductionPrevious research suggests a potential association between physical activity (PA) and breast cancer (BC), but the causal relationship remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the causal relationship between PA and BC through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.Material and methodsGenome-wide association studies utilizing data from the UK Biobank baseline were employed to analyze PA phenotypes, encompassing 460,376 participants. Summary data for BC, comprising 122,977 cases and 105,974 controls, were obtained from the BC Association Consortium. The cases were further categorized based on estrogen receptor status into estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (ER+ BC) and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer (ER– BC). The inverse variance weighted method was employed as the primary approach for two-sample MR. Additionally, the MR-PRESSO (MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier) method was utilized to eliminate outliers. Tests for heterogeneity and pleiotropy were conducted to enhance result accuracy. Furthermore, multivariable Mendelian randomization was performed, adjusting for potential confounders to ensure result stability.ResultsMR analysis was employed to assess the causal link between PA and BC. Two-sample MR analysis revealed a genetic prediction indicating that walking for pleasure was associated with decreased risk of ER+ BC (odds ratio (OR) = 0.302, 95% CI = 0.105–0.872, p = 0.027), while other physical activities were not significantly correlated with BC, ER+ BC and ER– BC. These findings remained reliable and consistent in the sensitivity analysis, including Cochran’s Q and MR-Egger regression. Furthermore, reverse MR analysis suggested that BC did not exert a notable impact on PA.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that engaging in leisure walking is associated with a reduced risk of ER+ BC. Nevertheless, additional research is warranted to comprehensively elucidate the underlying mechanisms and strengthen the causal relationship.

Artificial intelligence adoption and corporate green innovation capability

The necessity of addressing climate change has promoted green innovation in corporate and policy agendas, while artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed business operations across sectors. This study examined the impact of AI adoption on green innovation capability in Chinese-listed companies. We focused on the mediating roles of financing constraints and agency costs. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between AI adoption and green innovation capability by analyzing 30,572 firm–year observations from 2010 to 2022 through a two-way fixed-effects model, mediation analysis, and heterogeneity tests. Reduced financing constraints and agency costs partially mediated the relationship. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that AI adoption's impact was strongest for firms in growth stages and non-state-owned enterprises. These findings elucidate how technological advancements drive sustainable corporate practices contingent upon organizational life cycles and ownership structures.

Association between frailty and common psychiatric disorders: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundThere is growing interest in exploring the relationship between frailty and common psychiatric disorders. However, there have been limited reports on the genetic variation level of frailty with psychiatric disorders. MethodWe conducted large-scale Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine whether there is an association between frailty and common psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder [BD], major depressive disorder [MDD], schizophrenia, and suicide or other Intentional self-harm). We employed multiple MR approaches to conduct the MR analysis, including MR-Egger, weighted median, and random-effect inverse variance weighted (IVW). The IVW method served as the primary analysis. Heterogeneity testing and sensitivity analysis were also conducted in the MR study. ResultsThe MR results denoted that frailty was associated with an increased risk of BD (odds ratio (OR) =1.60, PIVW = 0.017), MDD (OR = 2.04, PIVW < 0.001), schizophrenia (OR = 1.91, PIVW = 0.005), and suicide or other Intentional self-harm (OR = 1.77, PIVW < 0.001). For reverse analysis, we observed no significant association between psychiatric disorders and the risk of frailty. These results remained consistent across sensitivity assessments. ConclusionsOur research indicates a potential unidirectional causal relationship, suggesting that frailty may serve as a risk factor for certain common psychiatric disorders. These findings carry important for implications for psychiatric disorders and frailty patient care.

Risk factors for falls in older people with pre-frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFrailty is considered highly prevalent among the elderly, and falls are a severe adverse event that occurs at a significantly higher rate in frail elderly patients, leading to serious consequences. The pre-frailty stage represents a reversible transitional state between health and frailty, and targeted interventions for pre-frail older adults can effectively reduce the incidence of falls in this population. Existing studies have not definitely identified the risk factors for falls in pre-frail older adults. This paper explores the relevant risk factors for falls in pre-frail older adults. MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wan fang, and VIP databases were searched for studies published from inception to 2023, without language restrictions. Observational studies were included in this systematic review that analyzed risk factors for accidental falls in pre-frail older adults. The NOS scale was used to evaluate the quality of cohort studies and case-control studies, while the AHRQ scale was used to evaluate the quality of the cross-sectional study. We utilized odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) to describe the statistical indicators. OR and 95 % CI values were directly extracted and organized in Excel. In cases where OR and CI values were not directly available, we extracted β and p values, calculated Exp using functions, and subsequently derived OR and 95 % CI using formulas. Finally, data pertaining to each risk factor were incorporated into RevMan 5.4 software for statistical analysis and effect size synthesis. We performed tests for heterogeneity and evaluated publication bias. ResultsA total of 14,370 studies were initially identified, and 26 studies were included in the systematic review. Among these studies, 14 were of high quality, while the remaining 12 were of moderate quality. A total of 16 risk factors were identified as potential risk factors for falls in pre-frail older adults. Significant risk factors were peripheral neuropathy(OR = 3.18, 95 %CI:3.02–3.35), decreased gait speed(OR = 1.90, 95 %CI:1.60–2.27), decreased ability to perform activities of daily living(OR = 1.57, 95 % CI:1.42–1.75), grip strength decreases(OR = 1.53, 95 % CI:1.17–2.00), gender (female)(OR = 1.51, 95 % CI:1.39–1.64), pain(OR = 1.47, 95 %CI:1.41–1.54), history of falls(OR = 1.20, 95 %CI:1.13–1.28) and age(OR = 1.10, 95 %CI:1.07–1.14). ConclusionsThe occurrence of falls in pre-frail older adults is associated with multiple risk factors. These risk factors can provide clinical nursing staff with specific focal points for monitoring this population and devising targeted fall prevention measures, with the aim of reducing the incidence of falls in pre-frail older adults. RegistrationThe systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42023450670).

The smarter the cleaner: Evaluating the impact of artificial intelligence on haze pollution

This paper innovatively evaluates the level of artificial intelligence (AI) by counting AI firms and employs a two-way fixed-effects model to analyze the impact of AI on haze pollution (HP), using panel data of 264 Chinese cities from 2006 and 2021. It is found that AI is an effective means to reduce urban HP, and that for every 1 % increase in the number of urban AI firms, PM 2.5 is reduced by about 2.22 %. Regarding mechanisms, AI mainly reduces urban HP through two ways: stimulating technology innovation and promoting industrial structure upgrading. Heterogeneity tests show that the haze reduction effect of AI varies due to urban HP level, urban location and urban characteristics, and is more pronounced in cities with high HP, as well as in western cities, northern cities, cities of high administrative levels, and resource-based cities. Our findings provide new insights for policy makers to better utilize AI technology to reduce HP.

Does two-way FDI promote technological innovation? — Evidence from China

Two-way FDI indicates that China's technological catch-up process has entered a new stage. Mechanisms and conditions through which two-way FDI affects technological innovation require urgent attention. Based on China's provincial panel data, by using 2SLS tests, negative binomial model, and GMM estimation, this study finds that two-way FDI has a significant promoting effect on technological innovation, absorptive capacity has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between two-way FDI and technological innovation, and IPR protection has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between two-way FDI and technological innovation. The heterogeneity test shows that the interaction effect of IFDI, OFDI, and the moderating effect of absorptive capacity increase with the regional economic development and the passage of time. In contrast, the negative moderating effect of IPR protection decreases. This study contributes to the understanding of the two-way FDI at play in the technological innovation of emerging markets. It emphasises the promoting and restricting factors of two-way FDI in this process.

Associations between T-cell traits and narcolepsy type 1: new insights from a Mendelian randomization study.

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is primarily caused by a malfunctioning immune system in which T-cells damage the hypothalamus. To elucidate the causal relationships between biomarkers in T-cells and NT1, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We conducted a two-sample MR analysis utilizing genetically predicted T-cell traits to examine their effects on NT1. Genome-wide association study summary data were extracted from studies by Valeria (3,757 participants) for 211 T-cell traits, Ollila (6,073 cases and 84,856 controls) for NT1. The MR analysis was executed at two threshold levels. Inverse variance weighted, Wald ratio, weighted median, and MR-Egger regression methods were used for the MR analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and heterogeneity tests, as well as pleiotropy tests, were conducted. After Bonferroni correction at the significant level (p < 1.18 × 10-4), a higher ratio of naive CD4- CD8- T-cells was identified as a risk factor for NT1 (OR = 10.50; 95% CI: 6.98, 15.90, p = 3.89 ×10-29). Conversely, CD4 on HLA DR+ CD4+ T cells (mean fluorescence intensity, MFI) exhibited a negative correlation with NT1. At nominally significant levels (p < 0.05) for both threshold levels, HVEM (herpesvirus entry mediator) on naive CD8+ T cells (MFI) was suggested as a protective factor for NT1. Additionally, a higher ratio of CD25++ CD45RA- CD4 not regulatory T cells, CD127 on CD45RA- CD4 not regulatory T cells (MFI), CD127 on CD28+ CD4+ T cells (MFI), CD3 on HLA DR+ T cells (MFI), and CD3 on HLA DR+ CD4+ T cells (MFI) were suggested as risk factors for NT1. This study confirmed the causal effects of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells on NT1 and found several novel T-cell-related characteristics.

Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Genetic Proxies of Plasma Fatty Acids and Pre-Eclampsia Risk.

Previous studies have reported associations between fatty acids and the risk of pre-eclampsia. However, the causality of these associations remains uncertain. This study postulates a causal relationship between specific plasma fatty acids and pre-eclampsia or other maternal hypertensive disorders (PE-HTPs). To test this hypothesis, two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were employed to determine the causality effects. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with PE-HTPs and fatty acids were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry. Bidirectional MR analyses were conducted using methods such as inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Sensitivity analyses, including tests for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and co-localization, were conducted to assess the robustness of MR results. The analyses revealed causal relationships between PE-HTPs and several fatty acids, including monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), omega-6 fatty acid (n-6 FA), linoleic acid (LA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the PUFA/MUFA ratio. Genetically predicted higher risk of PE-HTPs was significantly associated with lower plasma n-6 FA (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99), particularly LA (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98). Conversely, increased DHA (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78-0.96) and a higher PUFA/MUFA ratio (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.98) were associated with a reduced risk of PE-HTPs. Elevated MUFA levels (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00-1.25) were related to an increased risk. This study provides robust genetic evidence supporting bidirectional causal relationships between PE-HTPs and specific plasma fatty acids, underscoring the critical role of fatty acid metabolism in maternal hypertensive disorders.

Association between dietary tea consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study based on Mendelian randomisation and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2018) association between tea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Tea can improve the progression of some metabolic diseases through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but its impact on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still controversial. The aim of this paper is to identify the relationship between tea and NAFLD by Mendelian randomisation (MR) and complete clinical validation using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. MR used data from Genome Wide Association Study, with inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as principal analytical methods. The reliability of the results was verified by a series of sensitivity and heterogeneity tests. Subsequently, clinical validation was conducted using NHANES (2005-2018), involving 22257 participants, grouped by the type of tea. Green tea drinkers were categorised into four groups (Q1-Q4) by quartiles of green tea intake, from lowest to highest (similar for black tea drinkers and other tea drinkers). Models were constructed by logistic regression to estimate the role of tea consumption (Q1-4) on NAFLD. Finally, using fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) to evaluate the severity of hepatic fibrosis, the effect of tea consumption (Q1-4) on the degree of hepatic fibrosis was investigated by linear regression. IVW method (OR = 0·43, 95 % CI: 0·21, 0·85, P = 0·01) and weighted median method (OR = 0·35, 95 % CI: 0·14, 0·91, P = 0·03) revealed there was a causal relationship between tea and NAFLD. An array of sensitivity analyses validated the reliability of results. Analysis of NHANES indicated tea drinker present a slightly lower prevalence of NAFLD than non-tea drinker (green tea drinkers: 47·6 %, black tea drinkers: 46·3 %, other tea drinker: 43·2 %, non-tea drinkers: 48·1 %, P < 0·05). After adjusting for confounders, compared with the lowest black tea consumption (Q1), the population with the highest black tea consumption (Q4) was independently related to lower presence of NAFLD (Q4: OR = 0·69, 95 % CI: 0·50, 0·93, P < 0·05), such association remained stable in the overweight subgroup. As further analysed, Q4 also displayed a significant negative correlation with the level of hepatic fibrosis in patients with NAFLD (β = -0·073, 95 % CI: -0·126, -0·020, P < 0·01).Tea reduces the morbidity of NAFLD and ameliorates hepatic fibrosis degree in those already suffering from the disease.

The causal relationship between trace element status and upper gastrointestinal ulcers: a Mendelian randomization study.

This study aimed to investigate the bidirectional causal relationships between trace elements (such as zinc, magnesium, phosphate, and folate) and upper gastrointestinal ulcers (including gastric and duodenal ulcers). We utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to achieve this. We conducted a two-sample MR analysis using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) obtained from public genomics repositories. We utilized a range of MR methods, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods, and conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize results across different datasets. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we performed extensive sensitivity analyses, including pleiotropy assessment, heterogeneity tests, and leave-one-out analysis. Our findings are significant, indicating a positive causal relationship between increased zinc levels and the risk of gastric ulcers. Moreover, magnesium and folate appear to offer potential protective effects against gastroduodenal ulcers (p < 0.05). The meta-analysis further supports the causal relationship between zinc and gastric ulcers (p < 0.05), confirming zinc's significant causal impact on this condition. The study confirms a positive causal relationship between zinc and gastric ulcers and highlights the complexity of how trace elements regulate the progression of upper gastrointestinal ulcers. These results provide a scientific basis for dietary recommendations regarding trace element intake in clinical and public health practices. They also offer new insights into effective prevention and treatment strategies for gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Genetical effects of sleep traits on postpartum depression: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is widely recognized as the most prevalent mental health crisis following childbirth and has been linked to sleep disturbances. However, the potential causal relationships between various sleep traits and PPD remain unclear. This study employs a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate these associations.MethodsThe inverse-variance-weighted method was used to evaluate the causally linked sleep traits on postpartum depression. The weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger were used to estimate the robustness of the inverse-variance-weighted method. The leave-one-out method estimated the sensitivity of the result. Cochran’s Q method was used for the heterogeneous test. The MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO methods detected the horizontal pleiotropy.ResultsWe examined the genetic causal relationships between nine sleep traits and postpartum depression. Sleep apnea syndrome (OR: 1.122; 95%CI: 1.063–1.185; p = 0.000), sleeplessness/insomnia (OR: 1.465; 95%CI: 1.104–1.943; p = 0.008), and frequency of tiredness/lethargy in last 2 weeks (OR: 1.725; 95%CI: 1.345–2.213; p = 0.000) genetically predicted the increased risk of postpartum depression. The reverse Mendelian randomization analysis showed PPD caused sleeplessness/insomnia (β: 0.006; 95%CI: 0.001–0.010; p = 0.016) and frequency of tiredness/lethargy in last 2 weeks (β: 0.007; 95%CI: 0.002–0.011; p = 0.004). The remaining six sleep traits showed no significant association with PPD. There was no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.ConclusionsGenetic evidence reveals causal relationships between specific sleep traits and PPD, including sleep apnea syndrome, sleeplessness/insomnia, and tiredness. Whether certain sleep health indicators suggest a risk of postpartum depression or sleep issues that are caused by PPD, both may offer insights into the prevention and treatment of PPD.

Transportation Network Density, Domestic Market Integration and Excess Sensitivity of Household Consumption

Abstract From the perspective of domestic market integration, this paper systematically examines the impact of transportation infrastructure conditions on excess sensitivity of household consumption based on the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) and multi-level matching panel data of transportation network density. The results show that the fast-growing development of the transportation infrastructure network has a significant alleviating effect on excess sensitivity of household consumption along the route, and the conclusion is still robust after the use of the multi-dimensional instrumental variable method and a series of robustness tests. According to the heterogeneity tests, in terms of the alleviating effect of transportation infrastructure, railroads rank the first, highways the second, substandard roads the third, waterways the fourth, and roads of other grades at the bottom. The mechanism test reveals that the improvement of domestic market integration is an important channel for transportation infrastructure to alleviate excess sensitivity of household consumption. This paper confirms that improving the transportation infrustructure system is conducive to the construction of a unified national market, alleviating excess sensitivity of consumption and stimulating consumption.This paper provides suggestions for implementing the strategy of boosting domestic demand, and helps the government understand households’ consumption decision-making from a broader perspective. This study also provides a theoretical basis for the economic spillover effect of transportation infrastructure.

The Impact of Investor Sentiment on Corporate Financial Decision-making: Taking New Media Platforms as an Example

In accordance with the theory of asymmetry, this article studies the impact of investor sentiment on the proportion of corporate accounts receivable. During the research process, 2617 listed companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets from 2011 to 2022 were selected as samples. The article constructs a multiple regression model, selects investor sentiment as the core explanatory variable, accounts receivable ratio as the dependent variable, and adds revenue growth rate, largest shareholder shareholding ratio, price to book ratio, and cash flow ratio as control variables. Descriptive statistics, analysis of Correlation, test of collinearity, analysis of regression, test of heterogeneity, and analysis of robustness are used to explore the financial indicators and financial decisions of enterprises; Research has indicated that a negative correlation exists between investor sentiment and the proportion of corporate accounts receivable. Meanwhile, there are also certain differences between state-owned enterprises and non-state-owned enterprises. Based on this, this article proposes relevant improvement suggestions for enterprises, investors, and regulatory authorities, which will help facilitate the healthy and stable development of the capital market.